US embassy accuses Canada of election interference ahead of midterms
The US Embassy in Ottawa has accused Canadian officials of attempting to influence American politics ahead of November's midterm elections, citing meetings with US politicians and proposals for retaliatory tariffs. Canadian leaders have rejected the allegations.
In a fact sheet released on October 21, the embassy said Canada's government had dismissed concerns about "potential interference in U.S. elections" even as its ministers and provincial premiers "openly describe plans to influence American politics in official documents and public appearances."
The embassy cited remarks by Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, who was asked how tariffs might change if Democrats performed well in the midterms.
"That's exactly why I'm meeting so many governors and potential presidential candidates," Joly replied.
It also pointed to Ontario Premier Doug Ford's proposal that Canada consider additional retaliatory tariffs on imports from US states politically important to President Donald Trump's supporters.
The embassy presented these examples as evidence of efforts to influence American politics. It did not establish that Canadian officials had interfered with voting or election administration.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the allegations, saying Washington had initiated the trade measures that prompted Canada's response.
"We've responded to those to protect Canadian jobs, to protect Canadian companies and develop our economy," Carney said, according to the BBC.
Ford also denied seeking to influence the elections.
"I have no interest at all in interfering in US elections," he said, adding that American voters would decide the outcome themselves.
Joly previously said her meetings in the United States were intended to attract American investment to Canada and that she planned to continue them.
Relations strained by trade dispute
The allegations come amid months of tensions between Washington and Ottawa over tariffs and trade restrictions imposed during Trump's second administration.
US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra warned earlier in October that American officials were closely monitoring Canadian politicians for signs of election interference.
The dispute has also fueled criticism of Hoekstra in Canada. A petition calling for his removal, accusing him of undermining bilateral relations, has attracted more than 280,000 signatures, according to the BBC.
The November midterm elections will determine control of the US House of Representatives and Senate, potentially shaping the remainder of Trump's presidency.